Why does bread require multiple risings?
MN: Bread should have three risings, to allow the yeast to mature and develop a good flavor. Bakeries that mass-produce their bread double the yeast and add a lot of sugar and fat to the recipe. I use a starter that rests overnight before I use it. You can’t rush yeast! What basic ingredients should a home baker have in the pantry? RHE: Sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Why do I need both baking powder and baking soda? CL: Both baking powder and baking soda are leaveners, which make the cake rise—you don’t want a pancake. Not every recipe will call for baking powder and/or baking soda. [Baking soda is activated by an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar, yogurt, or honey. Baking powder contains baking soda and cream of tartar.] Do you have a favorite baking cookbook, and what makes it your favorite? MN: For the home baker, I’d recommend The Joy of Cooking, even for baking, though there is a lot of terminology used and therefore a lot of reading. Anything by Nick Malgieri
